Staten Island Project Homefront soldiers on through tough times

Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-HammelEugene Wheeler of Oakwood gives generously of his time to Project Homefront, which operates out of New Dorp Moravian Church.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- As he assembles care packages for shipment to U.S. military personnel stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan, Eugene Wheeler is reminded of the importance of what he’s doing as a volunteer with Staten Island Project Homefront.

"This soldier had been very depressed," recounted Wheeler, of Oakwood, himself a veteran of the Vietnam War, as he sifted through donations the other day waiting to be boxed. "He had been out in the field for three weeks. He hadn’t been hearing from family. He went over to his bed and saw a box sitting there. He opened it up and starts crying like a baby. His commanding officer sees this and says, ‘Are you OK?’ And he says, ‘Today’s my birthday.’"

Receiving a little bit of home, so far from home, on any given day can make a big difference in the lives of troops, some of whom are enduring multiple deployments.

That is the aim of Project Homefront, now in its eighth year.

The group meets several times a week in the New Dorp Moravian Church basement to cull through supplies and assemble boxes that are shipped every six weeks.

Jack Semich, one of the co-founders, said an array of hard-to-come-by supplies are always needed — everything from sunblock, hand sanitizer and toilet paper to feminine hygiene products, eyewash and foot powder.

"Not everybody is near a main base," explained Semich, a Vietnam vet from Grant City. "We get e-mails from them begging us, ‘Don’t forget us.’ They believe that with all the news about troops coming home that people will believe the war is over and they won’t be getting supplies."

Semich said donations have slowed because of that, and because of tough economic times. He said one Island group that donated three truckloads of gifts a few Christmases ago, pulled up with just one car trunk full last Christmas.

"The schools are trying to donate, but that portion is less than 20 percent what it had been," said Semich.

Indeed, many of the supplies the group had been getting donated now have to be purchased with money previously earmarked for packing supplies and to pay for shipping.

In the past, the group also has sent thousands of dollars’ worth of such crucial items as helmet liners and GPS systems.

"A GPS will be broken apart by an explosion and it is hard for them to get it replaced," explained Semich.

The group also looks for donations of sports equipment for the troops, to help keep them in shape, and books, playing cards and DVDs to help keep their spirits up.

They welcome letters and pictures drawn by kids, too.

Project Homefront has also been sending off supplies for the canine units, like dog food and flea collars.

Not only that, but Semich said Homefront tries to help the loved ones left behind get the assistance they need when the breadwinner of the family is far from home.

"They call us about paying bills, the rent, broken cars, household repairs," said Semich. "We do what we can to help. If we make a payment, it goes to the vendor, not directly to the family."

Added Semich: "I don’t care if you don’t support the war. I am not particularly in favor of war; I know the violence of it. But this is about the solider, the citizen, the neighbor, and what you can do to make them a little more comfortable. They still need our help."

Rep. Michael Grimm, a Gulf War Marine veteran, told the Advance that such care packages are "absolutely invaluable."

"Baby wipes, peanut butter, a simple handwritten note, a picture a child makes that you put in your helmet are so appreciated," said Grimm (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn). "I would encourage people to donate, to volunteer."

For further information about the group, including the types of donations needed, how to volunteer, and donation drop-off points and times, visit: siprojecthomefront.org or call: 866-689-7474.

Project Homefront needs Staten Island's helpStaten Island Project Homefront continues its quest for supplies for U.S. troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Everything from non-perishable food to eye wash to socks are needed, along with comforting reminders of home like paperback books, magazines, puzzles and playing cards. Donations can be dropped off at the New Dorp Moravian Church office. The volunteer group formed in 2003.